Bouvier des Flanders Dog

Bouvier des Flanders Dog

The Bouvier is a large, powerful, rugged-looking dog. The head is in proportion to the body, giving the dog a square profile. The broad, somewhat short back has a firm, level topline. The head is flat, slightly longer than it is wide. The skull is parallel with the muzzle, which is wide between the ears. The muzzle is slightly tapered, broad and strong. The nose is black. The bushy eyebrows make the stop more pronounced than it really is. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The dark brown eyes are oval in shape with black eye rims. The triangular ears are set high, either cropped or left natural. The well-muscled back legs are powerful and the front legs are straight. The tail is set high and usually docked. Note: it is illegal to crop or dock a dog’s body parts (tail and ears) in most parts of Europe. Dewclaws are usually removed. The double coat is weather-resistant with rough, harsh outer hairs. The undercoat is fine and soft but dense. The coat is cut so it has a shaggy, thick beard and eyebrows, giving the dog a distinctive look. Coat colors come in black, fawn, blonde, salt and pepper, gray or brindle. Sometimes it has a small white star on the chest. Solid black coats are not favored in the show ring, but are accepted and blonde coats are not accepted. Dutch bloodlines are often larger and heavier than Belgian lines.

Temperament

The Bouvier des Flandres is an obedient dog that may look intimidating, but is actually pleasant natured and gentle. With the proper amount of exercise it will also be calm. Enthusiastic, responsible, even tempered and fearless, it is an excellent guard and watchdog that is easy to train. This breed learns commands relatively fast, though not quite as fast as, for example the German Shepherd. They require well-balanced training that remains consistent in nature. Once they learn a command they will remember it for the rest of their life. It is important to consistently make the dog aware, without being harsh or rough, that you are and will remain the boss. This breed needs an experienced owner to prevent dominance and over-protectiveness problems. He should be socialized well, preferably starting at an early age to avoid shyness, suspiciousness, and reservations with strangers. Protection of the family when danger is present is not something that needs to be taught, nor is it something you can train out of them. The dog will arise to the occasion if needed. A good family dog, the Bouvier likes and is excellent with children. The Bouvier is very adaptable and goes about its business quietly and calmly. This dog’s loyalty is world famous.